After picking up a commitment from Orange Lutheran (CA.) tight end Blake Ayles last week, the Trojans have struck gold yet again with the commitment of four-star defensive lineman Armond Armstead of Elk Grove (CA.) Pleasant Grove HS.
Armstead, who became the twelfth commitment for the 2008 class Monday evening, announced his commitment to the Trojans in front of family, friends and various members of the media.
“I committed to USC,” said Armstead. “It was the coaching staff, their (USC) style of play, and the school itself that put them over the top. The location was definitely a plus for me, and my parents can come and see my games. Even if USC was far away, they are on national television every week, so they could still see me play."
The Trojans have been at the top of Armstead’s list for some time now, but according to Armstead, that wasn't always the case.
“USC was my favorite school growing up,” he explained. “But when I got into high school, I really started pulling for Cal. When the whole recruiting process started, Cal was definitely at the top of my list. Then one day, coach Rocky Seto from USC dropped off a camp invitation at my school and we went from there. I didn‘t give Cal much of a look toward the end of the process, its been USC for a while now."
With a point to prove, Armstead took on the USC Linemen Camp head on, dominating one-on-one‘s and impressed everyone in attendance.
“The first thing I noticed about the camp was the intensity,” said Armstead. “I feel like if I go to USC, the coaches will make me the best player I can be. They’ve been honest and up front since the start, and I took notice of that."
The 2008 recruiting class is shaping up quite nicely for the Trojans, and Armstead already had the chance to speak with current offensive line commitment, Matt Meyer.
“I talked to Matt a few days ago,” said Armstead. “I told him I was committing to USC, and he congratulated me. He said ‘Welcome to the family’ and that he was looking forward to going up against me for the next four years at USC. We were both talking about heading down to USC for the first day of fall practice.”
Armstead will undoubtedly have the opportunity to become a great player lining up against the current offensive linemen committed in the 2008 class, something he will welcome with open arms.
“This is a great class,” he said. “The offensive linemen in this class are already being called one of the greatest classes at that position in a while. So, going up against those guys everyday in practice is only going to make me better, and that’s what I want.”
The Trojans will head into this college campaign as national championship frontrunners, led by an experienced defense, something Armstead is excited to one day be a part of.
“I’ve watched their defense for a while now,” he said. “Its exciting to see how many d-linemen they put into the league--guys like Kenechi Udeze and others. I just want to be a part of that tradition. I think I can be a great defensive lineman at USC, and there is no other school in the nation that can make me a better player.”
The recruiting process can become a grind for many prospects, and Armstead is excited to have his decision out of the way.
“I’m glad my decision is out of the way now,” he confessed. “Now I can focus on my team and our goals for the next season. I can focus on my grades and hopefully winning section.”
Armstead is being recruited by the Trojans to play multiple spots along the defensive line, something that he is looking forward to. It is that versatility that has Armstead’s stock soaring.
“USC wants to move me around the defensive line,” he said. “Coach Carroll and coach Holt want me to play defensive end and tackle, which is fine. I would say I prefer defensive end a little more, only because its harder to get double teamed and I can really use my athleticism.”
Breaking down plenty of film on top defensive lineman throughout the ranks, Armstead models his game after current Carolina Panther Pro-Bowler Julius Peppers.
“I would say Julius Peppers,” answered Armstead when asked what player he modeled his game after. “I watch a lot of defensive linemen in the pros and in college, and I try and take things from each of their game. He‘s 6‘6, 290 lbs. but he is still a really good athlete, and he played basketball at UNC.”
Although Armstead has yet to play a single down of his senior season, he has already set aside some lofty goals he would like to accomplish.
“I don’t want to red shirt,” he said. "I want to go in there and earn some good playing time. I want to make a big impact as a freshman.”
WeAreSC.com will have more on Armstead’s commitment in the upcoming days, stay tuned!
